With A Cherry On Top

Chapter Forty-three: Someone's PMSing

Song: Astronaut In The Ocean by Masked Wolf

Chapter Forty-three: Someone's PMSing

"I didn't think you were the type to skip school."

It was a really long walk to Dad's house, but it gave me time to cry, and then think, and then cry as I was thinking. School wasn't yet over by the time I got to the house.

When I had opened the door, Mrs. Brooks was coming down the stairs.

"I'm not skipping school."

Really?

"It's school hours, and you're here." She expatiated.

"It's complicated."

Not really.

"I see."

I doubt she could say much seeing as she probably knew Anastasia skipped school also.

"Tell Grace to make you a cup of green tea, it could help with your fever."

I gave her a blank stare. "I don't have a fever."

She gestured to my face. "Then what could be the cause of that?"

Without wanting to give her an explanation, I went with "I have a fever."

"But you said you didn't."

"It's complicated."

She nodded. "I see. Then you still need that green tea. When she's done, make sure she goes back to her quarters."

She started walking past me, but my voice stopped her. "Why?"

"Because green tea is very nutritional. It contains a catechin called-"

I cut her off. "No. What I meant is, why can't Grace stay in the house? I've seen her quarters, it's not a very comfortable place. It's very congested. It's the size of my bathroom. Maybe even smaller."

"I don't see how that is any of your business."

But I continued. "There are so many empty rooms in this house. Why can't she just stay in one of them?"

"Because she's the help."

"She's also human. She could suffocate there. She can't even eat with us. There are empty seats at the dining table. Please just think about it."

She hesitated. "Fine." And then she walked out of the house.

I headed to the kitchen and saw her doing something. She turned around and handed me the cup of green tea.

"Thank you." I sat at the edge of the table and started sipping it from my mug. She just stayed there, staring at me.

"How come you don't speak to me?"

She glanced down, shyly. "I cannot speaking proper. I did not going to class."

"Oh."

"Thanking you for say it to Madame."

"It was no problem. How come you can't speak properly if you're surrounded by people who can?"

"Madame do not like to be see me in this place. So I go away."

"How old are you?"

"19."

"Really? I thought you were older."

"Hard work making youth fade."

"Oh. I could help you with your English if you want." I offered.

She sent me a smile. "Madame never say yes."